Active Iron - 30 Capsules

Are Iron Supplement Capsules Right for You?

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional shortfalls in the UK, affecting millions of people — particularly women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and those following plant-based diets. Symptoms like persistent tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and pale skin can creep up gradually, making it easy to dismiss them as simply "feeling run down." If any of that sounds familiar, iron supplement capsules could be exactly what your body needs. Active Iron 30 Capsules, available from Cured Pharmacy for just £12.99, offer a gentle, well-tolerated way to restore your iron levels without the harsh digestive side effects often associated with traditional iron tablets. You can browse the full range of vitamins and supplements at Cured Pharmacy if you're looking to support your health more broadly.

Iron plays a fundamental role in the production of haemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around your body. Without enough of it, your cells simply don't get the oxygen they need to function properly. The NHS recognises iron deficiency anaemia as a significant public health concern, and supplementation is a first-line approach when dietary intake alone isn't sufficient.

How Do Active Iron Capsules Work in the Body?

Active Iron uses ferrous bisglycinate, a chelated form of iron where the iron molecule is bound to the amino acid glycine. This structure protects the iron as it travels through the stomach and allows it to be absorbed more efficiently in the small intestine. The result? Better absorption with less irritation to the gut lining.

• Ferrous bisglycinate is absorbed via a different pathway to standard ferrous sulphate, reducing competition with other dietary minerals.
• The chelated structure means the iron is less reactive in the gut, which is why nausea and constipation are less frequently reported.
• Once absorbed, iron is incorporated into haemoglobin and myoglobin, supporting oxygen transport and energy metabolism.
• Iron also contributes to normal immune function and cognitive performance, according to established nutritional science.

Who Should Consider Taking Active Iron Capsules?

Not everyone needs an iron supplement — but for those who do, choosing the right one matters. Active Iron is particularly well-suited to people who have previously struggled with the side effects of standard iron tablets, or those who need ongoing supplementation as part of managing a diagnosed deficiency.

• Women with heavy menstrual periods who lose significant iron each month.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (always consult your midwife or GP first).
• Vegetarians and vegans whose dietary iron intake may be lower or less bioavailable.
• People recovering from surgery or illness involving blood loss.

If you're unsure whether you need iron supplementation, a simple blood test from your GP can confirm your ferritin and haemoglobin levels. Self-supplementing without a confirmed deficiency isn't recommended, as excess iron can cause harm.

How Does Active Iron Compare to Standard Iron Tablets?

Is Active Iron Suitable for Everyday Use and How Should It Be Stored?

For most healthy adults with a confirmed or suspected iron deficiency, daily use of these iron supplement capsules is appropriate when taken as directed. However, if you have haemochromatosis (a condition causing iron overload), thalassaemia, or any other condition affecting iron metabolism, you must speak to your GP before starting supplementation. Women who are pregnant should always seek medical advice before taking any supplement, including iron.

Store Active Iron capsules below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the pack tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging. If you're also managing other aspects of your health, our women's health collection includes a range of products that may complement your wellness routine.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Active Iron and What Is It Used For?

Active Iron 30 Capsules are an oral iron supplement containing ferrous bisglycinate — a chelated form of iron designed to be gentler on the digestive system than conventional iron salts. They are used to help maintain healthy iron levels in adults and adolescents, particularly those at risk of or experiencing iron deficiency. Iron is essential for the formation of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and for supporting normal energy metabolism, immune function, and cognitive performance. The NHS identifies iron deficiency anaemia as the most common form of anaemia in the UK, and supplementation is a recognised approach to correcting low iron stores.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Active Iron Capsules?

Before starting any iron supplement, it's important to understand when it may not be appropriate. Taking iron when you don't need it can cause harm, so a blood test to confirm deficiency is always advisable first.

Do not take Active Iron if you:

• Have haemochromatosis or any other condition causing iron overload.
• Have haemolytic anaemia or thalassaemia.
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients in the capsule.
• Have been told by a doctor to avoid iron supplements.

Take care and speak to your GP or pharmacist if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding — iron requirements increase during pregnancy, but dosing should be guided by your midwife or GP.
• Have inflammatory bowel disease or other gastrointestinal conditions.
• Have recently had a blood transfusion.

Known drug interactions — iron may affect or be affected by:

• Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics (iron reduces their absorption — separate doses by at least two hours).
• Levothyroxine (thyroid medication) — take iron at least four hours apart.
• Antacids and proton pump inhibitors — may reduce iron absorption.
• Calcium supplements — can compete with iron for absorption; take at different times of day.
• Vitamin C — may enhance iron absorption when taken together.

How Should You Use Active Iron Capsules?

Always follow the directions on the packaging or as advised by your pharmacist or GP. Do not exceed the stated dose.

1. Take one capsule daily, swallowed whole with a full glass of water.
2. Take with or shortly after food to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
3. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.
4. Avoid taking alongside tea, coffee, or dairy products, as these can reduce iron absorption.
5. Continue for the duration recommended by your healthcare professional — typically three to six months for iron deficiency.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Active Iron Capsules?

Like all supplements and medicines, Active Iron can cause side effects in some people, though not everyone experiences them. The chelated form of iron used here is generally associated with fewer gastrointestinal complaints than ferrous sulphate, but it's still worth knowing what to look out for.

Common side effects:

• Dark or black-coloured stools (this is harmless and expected with iron supplementation).
• Mild nausea, particularly if taken on an empty stomach.
• Constipation.
• Stomach discomfort or bloating.

Less common side effects:

• Diarrhoea.
• Heartburn or indigestion — if this is a concern, our indigestion range may help manage discomfort alongside supplementation.
• Metallic taste in the mouth.
• Allergic reactions (rare) — seek immediate medical attention if you develop a rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Iron overdose is a medical emergency, particularly in children. Keep capsules out of reach of children at all times. If you suspect an overdose, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately.

How Should You Store Active Iron Capsules?

Correct storage helps maintain the quality and safety of your supplement throughout its shelf life. If you're also managing other health products at home, it's good practice to store all supplements and medicines consistently.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep the pack tightly closed when not in use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children and pets.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink — humidity can degrade the capsules.
• Dispose of unused or expired capsules responsibly — return to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. You can also explore our hair care range if iron deficiency has been affecting your hair health alongside your energy levels.